The Flying Saucer At Sunset

Lenticular clouds (Altocumulus lenticularis) are stationary lens-shaped clouds with a smooth layered appearance that form in the troposphere, usually above mountain ranges. One was spotted in Singapore recently...

Pasir Ris Park - Decreasing Biodiversity Sightings

Pasir Ris Park East, Singapore June 2014 It's been some time since Merlion Wayfarer been to the Pasir Ris mangrove swamps. And it has been disappointing how the biodiversity sightings there decreases over the past few years. |   March 2010   |   January 2013   |   July 2013   | A male Epeus flavobilineatus (Yellow-Lined Epeus) spider, a bug, an ant, a wriggling caterpillar, and an Ardea...

Sungei Buloh - The Dark Dangerous Branch

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve North, Singapore December 2013 A species of mangroves and coastal forests, the Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus (Shore Pit Viper) has a reputation for being unpredictable and should be approached with caution. Giving no warning signs, this snake will strike readily and far at any threat, and its powerful haemotoxic venom can cause serious illness or even kill.  This shy snake looks just like another branch...

Sentosa - A Billed Visitor

Sentosa South, Singapore March 2014 It was a normal hot weekend afternoon at Sentosa when Merlion Wayfarer was startled by a familiar but very unexpected cry from the trees. Looking among the trees above the KFC outlet at Imbiah Station, she spotted this very surprising sight - An Anthracoceros albirostris (Oriental Pied Hornbill) in the urban jungle next to the Resorts World Sentosa! The Oriental Pied Hornbill disappeared from Singapore...

Sengkang Park - That Thing With The Wayang Feelers

Sengkang Park North East, Singapore September 2013 Sengkang Riverside Park is located at Anchorvale Street and is situated alongside Sungei Punggol. The park is home to a unique water feature, a constructed wetland that collects and filters rainwater naturally through its aquatic plants. Despite its man-made features, the park contains a variety of fauna among its aquatic and terrestrial plants. A well-camouflaged male Plexippus petersi (Common...

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - Where Lizards Roam

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Central, Singapore March 2014 Bukit Timah, being a nature reserve, is always full of surprises. Each visit turns up new finds, some interesting, some fascinating, and always refreshing... Varanus nebulosus (Clouded Monitor) : This terrestrial lizard can be distinguished from its water-based cousin by its Its colouration comprising yellow spots on a brown-grey base... A Cyclosa Spider hidden in the "debris"...